"On one side you've got a beautiful, calm and emotional depiction of pending motherhood and on the other side you've got the rather more controversial and intricate picture of the human body."

The bronze is being lent to Ilfracombe for 20 years

Others are less than happy. Joel Cooper, chief reporter at the North Devon Journal, said: "I think you either love it or hate it.

"Certainly, we've had hundreds and hundreds of letters come into the newspaper to say they're absolutely appalled by it ... or they think it's a fantastic opportunity to move Ilfracombe - and North Devon generally - into the 21st century.

"Personally, as a resident who lives in Ilfracombe, it's not my favourite piece of art work."

One local, Erin_Rickard, wrote on Twitter: "In Ilfracombe watching 'Verity' take her place. Im in love and so proud that my home is receiving her @hirst_official thank you.”

But another tweeter, LeeJohnBarnes, described it as "vile", while Hannie81 said: "Sorry Damien Hirst, I don't like #Verity. Not because of all the entrails but because of the baby bump and the outie belly button *shudder*"